Fact Check: "U.S. policy in the Middle East is a stepchild of Israeli policy."
What We Know
The claim that "U.S. policy in the Middle East is a stepchild of Israeli policy" suggests a subordinate relationship between U.S. foreign policy and Israeli interests. Historically, the U.S. has maintained a strong alliance with Israel, characterized by substantial military aid and diplomatic support. For instance, the U.S. has been a consistent supporter of Israel's right to defend itself, often backing its military actions in regional conflicts (source-1). This support has been evident in various administrations, including the Trump administration, which implemented policies that some critics argue limited the prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (source-2).
Moreover, the U.S. has historically sought to mediate peace processes in the region, although the effectiveness and impartiality of these efforts have been questioned. The Biden administration, for example, has reaffirmed support for a two-state solution while also promoting normalization between Israel and Arab states, indicating a complex and sometimes contradictory approach to its Middle East policy (source-2).
Analysis
The assertion that U.S. policy is a "stepchild" of Israeli policy can be evaluated through several lenses. On one hand, the U.S. provides significant military and economic support to Israel, which some analysts interpret as a reflection of Israeli influence over U.S. policy (source-3). This relationship has been described as one where U.S. interests often align with Israeli security concerns, particularly in the context of countering Iran and addressing regional instability (source-4).
Conversely, critics of the claim argue that U.S. policy is not merely a reflection of Israeli interests but is shaped by broader American strategic goals in the Middle East, including energy security, counterterrorism, and maintaining influence over regional dynamics (source-5). The U.S. has also attempted to balance its support for Israel with the need to engage with Palestinian leadership and other Arab states, although the effectiveness of these efforts has been inconsistent (source-6).
The complexity of the U.S.-Israel relationship suggests that while there is a strong alignment of interests, it is not entirely accurate to characterize U.S. policy as a mere extension of Israeli policy. The U.S. has its own objectives that sometimes diverge from Israeli preferences, particularly regarding peace negotiations and regional stability (source-7).
Conclusion
The claim that "U.S. policy in the Middle East is a stepchild of Israeli policy" is Partially True. While there is a significant alignment of interests between the U.S. and Israel, and U.S. support for Israel is a cornerstone of American foreign policy in the region, the U.S. also pursues its own strategic objectives that do not always align with Israeli interests. This nuanced relationship reflects both cooperation and tension, making it overly simplistic to categorize U.S. policy solely as a derivative of Israeli policy.
Sources
- US Policy in the Middle East: A Report Card - Middle East Institute
- What Is U.S. Policy on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict? - Council on Foreign Relations
- Friends and Frustration: The US and Israel's Complicated Relationship - Middle East Policy Council
- The Impact of the US-Israel Relationship on Middle East Policy - SSRN
- How Special Is the U.S.-Israel Relationship? - Middle East Forum
- Mind the Gap: U.S. Preferences and Israel's War Conduct - Quincy Institute
- The New Middle East: Hamas Attack, Israel at War, and U.S. Policy - Washington Institute
